I'm always very touched by how important friends and other's mile markers/rights of passage are to my husband, because I don't hear much about other men taking the time and effort to communicate, visit, and be involved in their friends' lives. John goes to his friends' homes often, invites people over on a weekly basis, and makes it a priority to "be there" physically and emotionally when people most need him. I really admire that. He is very strict with the kids and how they use their time, speak to others, and treat friends, and I'm so grateful that he is consistent with this, explains why it's important, and tells the kids god job when he see them using techniques like the "do not inetrupt rule". When the girls and I were at Good Will last night buying new bowls for the potluck, there were some very misbehaved children, and it was Mara that said something about it when we got in the van. Sometimes when we have a bunch of friends over, Chloe and TJ will say that their rooms are off limits because they don't want others to mess them up and then not help pick up, but Mara tells everyone that her room is not "hot limits". Last night we ate our at Arby's and saw our friend, Ruth, from church, and Mara ran up to her and gave her a big hug and said, "I haven't seen you in a while and a half!" I thought that was so cute and am so proud of her for expressing her emotions, and I know it's because John and I hug our friends and show our love. Tomorrow morning I'm going to take the kids out for a tea party. I'll have to stop at the antique store and see if they have a top hat or anything for TJ to wear. I signed Chloe and I up for a Girl Scout overnighter at the Science Center on the 19th, so we're excited to go and meet new people, learn about weather, and sleep under indoor constelations. I have a lot of cleaning tonight, and I work best alone, so I'm hoping that maybe John will take the kids to an art exhibit at the Fisher Community Center while I tackle the laundry that we've been neglecting. This morning John and Chlo and T were on the radio with Kyle Martin to talk about the Fun Time Friday carnival. I didn't get to hear it, but I'm sure it was sweet. Our friend, Pork Chop, is making several gallons of beef stew for the potluck, so that should be delicious. At the last pot luck Chloe planned a scavenger hunt, so we need to think about what activity to put together for this one. Maybe a game of Mad Libs, Mystery Box, Disguise Your Voice, or some Trivia. Chloe's a great little planner and will find some little prizes from around the house, and it will be a blast. Our friend, Dave's mom, Liz, came over last night with some family heirloom, antique rings for John to bring out to the wedding in CA. I pray that he keeps them safe. I pray that we all learn lessons from mistakes and realize that you can't have rainbows without storms. I pray that I treat my students and children as gems that need polished just like all of us and teach them that trials build character and perseverance.
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